LATEST NEWS: These eight Bradford schools are closed today as scrap tyre fire rumbles on

THE West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) and other agencies are committed to "working night and day" to put out a large fire at an old go-kart site on Upper Castle Street in Bradford.

After the fire service was called at just after 3am on Monday, fire engines headed to the scene immediately and within the first couple of hours there were almost 100 firefighters and officers tackling the blaze, with 15 fire engines and two aerial ladder appliances in attendance.

Numerous roads in the area had to be closed and rail services that run through Bradford Interchange have been affected.

As the sun went down this evening, there were still around 60 firefighters and WYFRS officers on the scene working to bring the fire under control, including specialist teams using foam.

WYFRS District Commander for Bradford, Benjy Bush, said: “Crews have been working tirelessly over the last 38 hours to bring this fire under control, and we are succeeding but there is still work to be done.

“Since yesterday morning our crews have been using aerial appliances and our specialist high volume pump to tackle the blaze. Today, we introduced foam to further tackle the flames that are still burning. This can generate more smoke, and with the amount already significant we would like to remind people to stay inside as much as possible and keep their windows and doors shut.

“We and are partners are absolutely committed to keeping people safe and we will continue to work night and day until this incident is resolved.”

Bradford Council Chief Executive, Kersten England, said: “I want to thank the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for the work they’ve put in round the clock to deal with this huge fire. It’s been really hard for local people and businesses.

“We have had teams working night and day to help support residents and businesses affected and will continue to do so for as long as is necessary.

“Anyone in an area affected by the smoke is asked to please continue to follow the advice to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed.

“This is a major incident and it has required a major response from the fire service as well as colleagues in West Yorkshire Police, the Environment Agency, Public Health England, the Council and other key partners all working together to keep people safe.”

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Our officers have been on site throughout the night and are still there providing advice to the fire service and our partners to help control the fire. They are also working to ensure fire-fighting water does not present a flood risk to nearby properties.

“We are also monitoring the water quality of Bowling Beck to ensure that no pollution is coming from the fire or from firefighting surface water.

“We are investigating the operators of this site following reports to our Incident Hotline about the suspected illegal storage of waste tyres. There are strict rules governing the storage of waste tyres, which are designed to help prevent fires and to protect people and the environment. Our immediate priority is to support the multi-agency response.”